Bucky Barnes, formerly recognized as the Winter Soldier, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a formidable foe to a cherished hero within the Marvel Universe. Yet, his distance from the Avengers has previously restricted his involvement in their legendary team-up stories. However, in the upcoming Laura Kinney: Wolverine #5, he seizes the moment to redeem himself, showcasing one of Marvel’s most celebrated maneuvers.
In this vibrant issue, Bucky faces off against Hydra’s lethal robots, leveraging his enhanced cybernetic arm to launch Laura into the fray, thus bringing the legendary Fastball Special to life.

This exhilarating moment emphasizes Bucky’s formidable potential and highlights the power of teamwork and strategy as they confront a significant adversary. While this iconic move has been reimagined over the years, its execution here further establishes Bucky as an emblematic superhero within Marvel lore.
A Dynamic Duo: Laura Kinney and Bucky Barnes Execute the Fastball Special



Within the pages of Laura Kinney: Wolverine #5, our heroes are engaged in a mission to thwart the schemes of rogue scientist Henrick Schneider. As they encounter a relentless wave of Hydra robots, their combat skills are put to the test. Following a punishing blow to Bucky, both heroes realize they need to adapt their strategy to overcome this mechanical menace. During their exchange, X-23 inquires about Bucky’s bench press capability, and with a swift flex of his cybernetic arm, they quickly align on their next move.
In a seamless shift to action, Bucky chooses to catapult Laura into the air, granting her the perfect angle to dismantle the Hydra bots. This iconic maneuver, the Fastball Special, serves as an ultimate showcase of Laura’s skill as Wolverine, allowing her to maximize her offensive capabilities and reduce the robotic threat to mere remnants. Bucky’s strategic use of his metallic arm during this gripping scene symbolizes his evolution as a hero.
The Fastball Special: A Marvel Tradition, Perfectly Executed by Bucky
A Powerhouse Partnership: Bucky and Wolverine

The Fastball Special stands as one of the most revered superhero maneuvers throughout Marvel’s legacy, closely linked to characters such as Wolverine and the Hulk. Its popularity is so extensive that it has even made its way into gaming, showcasing its place in pop culture. By embracing this legendary tactic, Bucky has solidified his stature in Marvel’s rich anthology of iconic collaborations.
By mastering the Fastball Special, Bucky exemplifies the essence of a true superhero, matching his actions with the legendary figures of the Marvel community. His choice to execute this classic move not only illustrates his combat prowess but also signifies his redemption arc from the brainwashed Winter Soldier to a tactical, empowering ally among superheroes. This evolution highlights his capacity to uplift his teammates, ensuring that Bucky Barnes earns his rightful place as a luminary in the Marvel pantheon.
Laura Kinney: Wolverine #5 hits the stands on April 9, 2025, promising an exciting chapter in the Marvel saga.